Since making his debut on the big screen over two decades ago,Dwayne Johnson has become one of the biggest stars in Hollywoodthanks to appearances in blockbuster movies but his most underrated and overlooked film is worth checking out on Peacock. Following his initial run as a pro wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson broke out into cinema with a role inThe Mummy Returns.These days, he’s gone on to pop up in theFast and Furiousfranchise,Moana,Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and more.
With so many major movie franchises to his name, it’s easy to forget Dwayne Johnson’s less established films. One of those dates back to his early on-screen career and it’s actually his first leading role outside ofThe Mummyfranchise. That movie is 2003’sThe Rundownand while it isn’t among Johnson’s most famous parts, it is one that showcases his talents perfectly.
The Rundown Is Dwayne Johnson At His Best
It Blends Action With Comedy So Well
Anyone who has followed Dwayne Johnson’s career knows that thetwo things he excels at are action and comedy. Even back when he was a pro wrestler, he’d fight someone in the ring but make sure to roast them with a comedic joke before and after. So, it only made sense that he’s at his best when he’s blending those genres on the big screen. Most of his early roles were action-oriented fromThe Scorpion KingtoWalking TalltoDoom, with a few aimed at comedy likeBe CoolandThe Game Plan.
When Johnson can mix the laughs with the hard-hitting action, he’s at his best.
It’s when he did action-comedy that Johnson truly shined and the first of his movies to do that isThe Rundown. It follows Johnson as a bounty hunter who tracks down a treasure hunter in Brazil for his rich father and ends up in the crosshairs of a gang of criminals. The role is perfect for Johnson because he gets to bring the physicality that he’s famous for while also having fun banter with his co-stars. When Johnson can mix the laughs with the hard-hitting action, he’s at his best.
The Cast Of The Rundown Is Actually Fantastic
Dwayne Johnson Is Joined By Stars
WhileThe Rundownmarks an early look at Dwayne Johnson’s acting career, he’s far from the only star in the cast.The movie actually boasts one of the most impressive groups of actorsfor any forgotten film from the 2000s. Johnson’s main co-star is Seann William Scott ofAmerican Piefame, who plays so well off Johnson as they’re uneasy allies.Ahsokastar Rosario Dawson also plays the leader of a resistance group who also works as a bartender.
As if those three actors weren’t enough,The Rundowngets a big boost from its main antagonist. Christopher Walken is having a blast as the villain, Cornelius Bernard Hatcher, hamming it up while bringing his signature charm to the role. There’s alsoThe White Lotusstar Jon Gries and even an uncredited byfun cameo from Arnold Schwarzenneger, makingThe Rundowna perfect action-comedy to watch for anyone.
